ACU’s Duncum Center Names New Leader

December 14, 2017

Lori Anne Shaw

Abilene Christian University (ACU) named Lori Anne Shaw executive director of Duncum Center Solutions. Shaw has been part of the Duncum Center team for more than 10 years, previously serving as director of training and development (2015 – 2017) and assistant director for program development (2007 – 2015). In those roles, she has worked as a mediator, trainer, consultant, and graduate course facilitator. She has conducted training and leadership retreats around the U.S. for Fortune 500 companies, small non-profits, and as far away as Kenya and Rwanda. While currently pursuing an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership, Shaw is sure to continue providing valuable leadership as the Duncum Center’s executive director.

The leadership transition comes after Joey Cope accepted the roles of Interim Dean of the College of Graduate and Professional Studies and Associate General Counsel, Dallas Campus. A mediator for more than 15 years and a practicing attorney for 30 years, Cope served the Duncum Center as founding executive director from 2000 – 2017, casting vision for the organization while serving as the Center’s lead trainer and consultant. Cope also started the Master of Arts program in Conflict Management and Resolution.

Shaw and Cope have trained together for the last seven years at the Conflict Resolution Residency Sessions and 40-Hour Basic Mediation Trainings. In those courses, they have equipped over 500 mediators and conflict resolutions professionals. Shaw and Cope will continue to work together to ensure a smooth transition.

“Joey has positioned the Duncum Center perfectly for the future,” Shaw said. “We have great opportunities ahead of us, and we wouldn’t be here without the foundation that Joey provided. Joey has mentored me and made the deepest impact on me of anyone in my professional life. He has shown me what it means to practice what we preach in leadership and conflict management. He has modeled humility, integrity, being a life-long learner, and commitment to our work. Because of his example, these are among the Duncum Center’s core values.”

As the role of Duncum Center expands within the University, its focus will be to help organizations train and develop employees to the best of their potential. The Center also provides customized training for working professionals who want to add to their skills in leadership and conflict management. To meet the needs of modern organizations and their most valuable asset – their people – Shaw will continue as the organization’s lead trainer. “We will always support leaders in managing conflict well. It’s a key part of our DNA.” But Shaw knows she is not alone. “We are also partnering with highly-talented Alliance Members who are experts in their fields. These Alliance Members enable us to become an even greater resource in the non-degree market. Our future is bright.”

About DCS

Duncum Center Solutions is an active and expanding source for training, consulting and crisis intervention for business, nonprofit and community organizations. A division of the Duncum Center for Conflict Resolution at Abilene Christian University, Duncum Center Solutions specializes in assisting organizations through conflict and leadership challenges with services in situation analysis, change management, executive coaching, conflict management consulting and system design.